»Introduction
I have found that there are basically three types of people: Whiners-Wieners & Winners.

»Step 1
Whiners are always looking for excuses. They are quick to complain. They associate with other whiners and they love to gossip about other people. Whiners are unhappy and they love handouts and they are always on the lookout for the “free lunch”. They love to watch the news, read the newspaper, and the gossip magazines. The only time they get excited is when they are whining with other people that agree with them. Wieners don’t reach beyond their comfort zone. They love to talk about the glory days and make sure that everyone acknowledges every small victory they’ve had. They won’t take a risk but they will sure talk about “someday.” Wieners always look out for themselves. There is no loyalty and they will never sacrifice for their team unless it will ensure personal gain.
Winners are a different breed. Winners hold themselves accountable and recognize leadership begins by first learning to lead theirself. Winners understand that self-leadership begins by delaying gratification and having the discipline to follow through. Winners look for the best in others. They understand what it looks like because they constantly strive to bring out the best in themselves. Winners are not much different than whiners and wieners. They all have hopes and dreams. They all have fears and doubts. They all face trials and tribulations. There are two things that separate all three; the way they think and the choices they make.
Every choice first begins with a thought and winners choose to be positive. It doesn’t mean they overlook the obstacles or challenges in situations. Instead they face the brutal facts and allow their passion and positive mental attitude to give them the energy to drive forward and look for the solution. They are humble enough to seek wise counsel and the advice of those gone before. Winners make wise choices, but not always. They are not afraid to fail. They recognize that failure is an event and not a person. They learn from their mistakes and get back in the game. Making wise choices is nothing more than successful time-management. Time-management is nothing more than successful self-management. Self-management is the first step in leadership and it begins by first having a plan to win. It has been said that if you don’t have a plan to win, you have a plan to fail. Secondly, self-management begins by preparing to win. This is where daily choices become so important. Most of the choices we make are elementary in nature. They are not life threatening or dramatic, but one stacked on the other will either put you in the winners circle or with the whiners and wieners.
Nobody wants to be alone. If you don’t gravitate towards the winners you’ll gravitate towards the whiners and wieners. It is just human nature that we want to be a part of something. I guess it’s better to be with the whiners with the wieners than to complain and make excuses alone. You have a choice to make. Do you want to be a whiner, wiener, or winner? The first step is to acknowledge where you are now. Maybe you have been a winner in one area of life but a wiener in the other areas. In order to break free from the poor attitude that whiners and wieners have you need to associate with other winners. You need to humble yourself and learn from other winners. After you have acknowledged where you are you must plan where you want to be. Once the plan is in place you must prepare to win. This is the tough part because it is the day-in and day-out activity that will separate you from the others. Once you develop the discipline to be a winner you have to expect to win. Being a winner isn’t easy, but it is so much more rewarding than being a whiner and a wiener. I hope to see you in the winner’s circle. Until next time, have a: Better-than-Great day.

“Deep within humans dwell those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish them, that they never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize their lives if aroused and put into action.” Orison Marden

Jason Scott is the Director of Physician Relations at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He is a consultant, speaker, writer, and life-long learner. He wants to hear from you. E-mail questions or comments to: gotgreatness@hotmail.com